I am a licensed psychologist in PA, with a specialty in clinical psychology. For the past 30 years I have specialized in college mental health working with young adults and late adolescents from a variety of theoretical perspectives, specializing in individual, group therapy, and family therapy as well as hypnotherapy modalities. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I had training and experience with helping individuals and families with substance abuse, recovery from sexual, emotional, and physical abuse history, and personality or interpersonal style problems.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Therapy works best when the client and therapist can build a trusting, genuine, confidential and supportive relationship. So, in first sessions, I collaborate with clients to identify the reasons they are seeking counseling, their goals for the process, and to begin to understand what may have led to or is maintaining the difficulties they face. I believe that all of us are doing the best we can to understand and make meaning in our lives, and we sometimes need some help to restore our balance and handle our feelings, thoughts, and relationships. My goal is to help you experience contentment and coherence in your life
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients report that my genuineness, warmth, caring and authenticity have been important to them. Individuals who are seeking someone who genuinely cares about them, works to understand them from their perspective, is open and sincere and has a sense of humor will find me a good fit. In addition, I have more than 30 years experience as a generalist with a wide variety of individuals, presenting issues, therapy knowledge, and modalities.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with young adults, families, and adolescents. I treat all of the common mental health problems, including anxiety, mood disorders, relationship, identity issues, stress, and self-esteem-based concerns. Also, I believe many of us benefit from having the support of therapy and support as we go through transitional periods in our lives, or are struggling with the common "problems in living" of relationship conflicts, self-doubt or making important decisions in our lives, and adjusting to change.
About Dr. Shelly Lear
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
9 E Beau St, Washington, PA 15301, 1st FloorAppointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Integrative
My primary theoretical orientation and training is integrative, drawing family systems, interpersonal, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, solution-oriented, hypnosis, neurobiological and cultural perspectives. I believe in understanding each person from a variety of therapeutic approaches. Most important to my therapy is developing a genuine, empathic, and caring relationship with clients so they have a safe space to heal and grow.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am educated and trained in culturally-competent, gender and orientation affirming therapy and meet clients from their perspective, appreciating their goals and values.
Psychodynamic
Using attachment based, interpersonal, and insight oriented approaches, I help clients understand who they are, how their attachments affected their development, explore their values, and make meaning in their lives so they have more choice and flexibility in their lives.
Hypnotherapy
I have seven years of graduate training, 30 years of practice using hypnosis, and an additional 15 years of continuing education in using hypnotherapy as an integrated technique to help clients.
Family Therapy
I have over 40 years of experience, and a doctoral specialty in the practice of family therapy with adolescents and their families (14 years and older)